About this programme
The Idaho Tax Reimbursement Incentive (TRI) is a post-performance tax credit from Idaho Commerce meant to draw business relocation and expansion into the state, in effect since July 1, 2014. It targets aerospace, agriculture, food processing, and high-tech companies, among others.
TRI is built around the idea that the state only pays out once a company delivers: the credit is calculated against new state tax revenue the project actually generates, and a project is scored against a fixed formula covering job quality, job quantity, and economic impact before Idaho Commerce and its Economic Advisory Council commit to it.
How it works
Qualifying companies get a tax credit of up to 30% on income, payroll, and sales taxes, for up to 15 years.
The applicant must show that the incentive is a critical factor in its decision to locate or expand in Idaho, and must demonstrate business stability and a significant economic impact on the state and its community.
Every project is scored on five criteria: quality of jobs, quantity of jobs, impact on the local economy, impact on the state economy, and impact on industry. A baseline project (jobs at or near the minimum, wages near the county average, weak financial strength, little proof the incentive is needed) scores lower than a high-quality project (jobs and wages well above minimum, substantial economic impact, long-term capital investment, and strong proof the incentive is needed to the decision).
Who can apply
The company must create at least 20 new full-time jobs in a rural community (population 25,000 or less), or at least 50 new full-time jobs in an urban area.
New positions must be full-time (30+ hours a week) and pay an average weekly wage at or above the average wage for the county.
The company must demonstrate a meaningful community match, prove the incentive is a critical factor in its decision to expand or relocate in Idaho, and show significant economic impact to the community and the state.
The program is open to both new businesses locating in Idaho and existing companies expanding their operations there.
How to apply
- Submit a pre-application, either directly or through a local economic development organization, including a high-level project overview, a summary of estimated new jobs, a letter of community support, and a statement of criticality. This is a fast-track process to get an initial incentive estimate.
- Receive an Award Estimate Letter from Idaho Commerce with a non-binding estimate of the incentive's percentage and term.
- Submit the full application with an in-depth company, project, and jobs overview, proof of community contribution, an affidavit of criticality, financial information, hiring and salary projections, and proposed performance measures.
- Idaho Commerce conducts an economic analysis of the full application.
- Proposals accepted by the Idaho Commerce director go to the Economic Advisory Council for final review and approval.
- Once approved, Idaho Commerce and the company sign a formal commitment agreement.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Pre-application: project overview, summary of estimated new jobs, letter of community support, statement of criticality
- Full application: company/project/jobs overview, proof of community contribution, affidavit of criticality, financial information, hiring and salary projections, proposed performance measures
Frequently asked
How large is the tax credit?
Up to 30% on income, payroll, and sales taxes, for up to 15 years.
How many jobs do I need to create?
At least 20 new full-time jobs in a rural area (population 25,000 or less), or at least 50 in an urban area, each paying at or above the county's average weekly wage.
Is TRI only for new companies moving to Idaho?
No. It is open to both new businesses locating in Idaho and existing companies expanding their operations there.
What happens after I submit the pre-application?
Idaho Commerce sends an Award Estimate Letter with a non-binding estimate of the incentive's percentage and term, before you move to the full application.
Who gives final approval?
Proposals accepted by the Idaho Commerce director go to the Economic Advisory Council for final review and approval before a formal agreement is signed.
Can I use TRI together with Idaho Business Advantage?
Idaho Commerce's own materials note that using Business Advantage does not preclude a company from also pursuing TRI.
More funding in Idaho
Collateral Support Program (CSP 2.0)
Idaho Housing and Finance Association · Idaho
Pledges cash deposits with participating Idaho lenders so small businesses short on collateral can still qualify for a business loan.
Idaho Business Advantage
Idaho Commerce · Idaho
Bundles tax credits, sales-tax rebates and property-tax exemptions for growing Idaho companies that invest $500,000+ and add well-paid jobs.
Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) Grant Program
Idaho State Board of Education (Higher Education Research Council) · Idaho
Funds Idaho university research with strong potential to transfer new technology to private companies, through a two-stage proposal process.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant — Idaho
Idaho Commerce · Idaho
Reimburses small Idaho exporters for costs of entering or growing sales in new overseas markets.
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.